Steve Bruce needs to lift his side to ensure they finish the season on a positive note after the restart appeared to catch up with the Magpies at Watford on Saturday.
After demonstrating they had enough to beat the Hornets in the first 45 minutes, they looked like a side who thought things would come easy to them after the break.
Newcastle failed to match the desire of the home side and were beaten 2-1 and even handed Watford a helping hand with two cheap penalty awards.
Victory over Spurs is now important if only to keep critics at bay after what has been a solid if unspectacular season.
Lee Ryder's prediction
United have a small advantage in that they have had a little bit of extra rest going into this game.
But the question is whether they have enough mentally to give to a game of this magnitude.
Spurs arrive on Tyneside fighting for a Europa League spot and on a high after beating rivals Arsenal.
If United serve up the same display as they did at Watford in the second half this will be an easy win for Tottenham.
However, if they can show some of the dogged determination that pushed them past 40 points earlier than most people expected they can at least make a fist of this.
Referee
David Coote (Nottinghamshire)
Sent off Sheffield United's John Egan in his last visit to Tyneside.
Charity bet
Miguel Almiron to be an anytime scorer at 5/1
